Milwaukee Public Schools committee adopts resolution acknowledging contributions of Black students

The Committee on Parent and Community Engagement of the Board of School Directors of Milwaukee Public Schools adopted Resolution 25-26 R-002 acknowledging the contributions of Black students during a meeting at the Central Services Building; the motion passed 4-0 with Director Seemson noted as not present.

The resolution’s sponsor, Director Jackson, said the measure is intended to acknowledge “Black students both past, present, and future,” and to counter “negative stereotypes and stigmas related to the Black students in MPS,” noting that Black students make up “half of the population of our MPS family of our student body.” The committee did not receive any public comments on the item.

Director Jackson described the resolution as a formal recognition that celebrates the achievements of Black students and emphasizes their importance to the school district. A committee member expressed appreciation for Jackson’s focus on student achievement and asked that the resolution also reflect recognition of female students’ accomplishments.

On the motion to adopt the resolution as attached to the meeting item, Director Benoit moved and Director Fonds seconded. The secretary called the roll: Directors Fonds, Reza, Benoit and Chair Ferguson voted yes; Director Seemson was not present. The chair announced that the motion passed.

Committee leaders also noted that community feedback about the committee’s structure has been discussed with the superintendent and the Office of Board Governance, and that the Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget will take up a restructuring item at its Thursday meeting.

The committee adjourned after handling the resolution; the agenda included two additional committee meetings to follow that evening.